BOSS Eddie Howe insisted Cherries harboured no resentment towards Aberdeen over their handling of Jayden Stockley's signing.

Striker Stockley penned a pre-contract agreement with the Dons earlier this month with his Cherries deal due to expire at the end of June.

The 22-year-old spent the second half of the season on loan at League Two Exeter City where he netted 10 goals in 22 outings to claim the golden boot at his temporary club.

Grecians boss Paul Tisdale had made no secret of his desire to make the move permanent but his hopes were dashed once the Scottish Premiership runners-up had declared their interest, handing Stockley the chance of European football next season.

It is not known whether Stockley would have featured on Howe's retained list. Had he joined an English club, Cherries would have been entitled to compensation as he is under-24 and is a product of the club's youth ranks.

Asked by the Daily Echo how the switch had panned out, Howe said: “From our perspective, there was a chain of events but I will keep those private. I think that’s the best thing to do at this stage.

“Jayden has been a good servant to the club and we wish the player well. There is no bad blood between us and Aberdeen and, hopefully, he will go on to enjoy a long and successful career.”